Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

happenings

FNO OMG! Celebrating Fashion’s Night Out… BFF style!

Fashion's Night Out 2012 with the Blog Fab Fashionistas

Fashion’s Night Out recently celebrated its fourth fabulous year like only it can…. in STYLE! From Manhattan to Milan, Atlanta to Australia, and everywhere “in the seams”, this annual after hours fashion bash/shopping extravaganza commences a worldwide celebration of all things fashion. And with over 500 cities nationwide and 19 countries worldwide participating, FNO was literally taking place everywhere.

So, in celebration of this fabulous occasion me and 20 of my fellow fashionistas, aka the Blog Fab Fashionistas (BFF’s), converged on Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for a night filled with excitement, fun, plenty of shopping, and of course fashion. Our night of “diva debauchery” began at Neiman Marcus in Lenox Square where we mixed and mingled with other FNO event goers while enjoying lite bites and delish wine. We apologized in advance to our credit cards moments before taking advantage of the store’s FNO discounts for the night. (smile)

The next stop on our FNO/BFF Mall Crawl was Sak’s Fifth Avenue across the way at Phipps Plaza. At Sak’s we pampered our nails with the latest from Dior’s Fall color collection. We were also given the most relaxing hand treatments this side of heaven compliments of Product Specialist and absolute sweetheart, Virginia Crowe of Bvlgari. Huge hugs to Virginia! Those hand treatments were amazing and much needed since we’d been toting quite a few shopping bags and our hands were in dire need of a massage.

Next we strolled into Jeffrey Atlanta where we kicked things into high gear…literally! To celebrate the FNO experience, Jeffrey Atlanta transformed their showroom into a fabulous 70’s disco party! We had an absolute blast! In fact, we had so much fun “getting down” with the Jeffery dancers that several snap shots of the fun made the Fashion’s Night Out website photo gallery that night. Yay! Jeffery has an amazing collection of to-die-for shoes and I was teetering on life support the entire night. (smile)

So, after being resuscitated in Jeffery’s shoe department, it was time to head down to one of my fave stores, Lilly Pulitzer. Now I must say that Lilly Pulitzer is the quintessential fashionistas’ playground. With its fabulous collection of colorful girly goodies no fashionista would be able to resists Lilly’s charm. So we did what any fashion maven would do …we shopped! Between purchases we sipped a bit of champagne while being treated to delicious handmade popsicles courtesy of King of Pops. What an experience; popsicles, champagne and shopping. Too fab!!!

Next, we made our way down to Belk for a red carpet extravaganza unlike any other. There’s nothing I love more than a red carpet stroll and this was truly one for the books. We posed for the paparazzi, strutted down the runway, made custom cookies (true story), and shopped till we literally dropped. A few weeks prior I had a chance to preview Belk’s Fall collection during a VIP showcase and I saw the most gorg blouse my eyes had ever seen. (be still my heart!) That night I made a promise to myself that I would return and purchase that blouse one day. Well I’m happy to say the blouse and I were reunited at the checkout counter a short while later. (smile)

Alas, it was time for our night of diva debauchery to conclude, so we closed out the evening over delish dishes at Twist. The food was amazing! I personally recommend the Tempura Fried Shrimp with Pineapple Ponzu Sauce. OMG!!! Oh, and the Shrimp Dumplings with Thai Curry were part of my “take home for later” parting dish. 😉 I must say that the ambiance at Twist was the perfect backdrop to a fun night out with the BFF’s. I can’t think of a better way to end such a fabulous night of fun and fashion than with great food and fabulous friends.

What an amazing night! We had soooo much fun at FNO 2012! Kisses to all the retailers at both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for being such gracious hosts and for showing the world how Atlanta celebrates Fashion’s Night Out! Eat you’re heart out Milan!!! (smile)

So, how did you celebrate Fashion’s Night Out in your city? What are some of your FNO experiences?

Check out more pics from Fashion’s Night Out at Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza with the BFF’s:

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Women Interactive: A Creative Technology Festival for Women of Color

The Art of Genius Creative Technology Series

Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Spelman College

Presented by the Art of Genius Creative Technology Series and Spelman College’s Digital Moving Image Salon (DMIS), Women Interactive Creative Technology Festival is a one day interactive technology festival for women of color who produce and share media content. In keeping with the fast paced nature of technology, the WI Festival will allow college students, collegiate faculty, technology and media professionals the opportunity to interact with innovative technology by following the three pillars in which the festival is based: Interact. Educate. Inspire.

These three pillars will be explored through three tracks: Creating Content, Sharing Content and Monetizing Your Creativity.

Click here for Women Interactive Programming Schedule http://womeninteractive2012a.sched.org/

Interactive Atrium – Get a “hands on” approach to technology getting to play video games, try new apps, and participate in technology product demos with two full floors of interactive fun!

Education Suites -Participate in media and technology workshops, specifically geared toward the creation and sharing of media content. All exhibitions and education workshops are executed in 30, 20 and 15 minute intervals allowing attendees to get high quality information in a short amount of time.

Inspiration Hall & Screening Rooms -Experience cutting edge media content and advanced technological exhibitions. All exhibits must be written, directed and/or produced by a woman of color. All exhibitions and education workshops are executed in 30, 20 and 15 minute intervals allowing attendees to get lots of information in a short amount of time.

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REGISTRATION INFO:

Register now for this event at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3752040454?ref=ebtnebtckt

Join the conversation online @womeninteractiv and “like” us on FB!

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Digital Vanguard: An Interactive Conversation with Women Creatives

The Art of Genius Creative Technology Series

Friday, October 12, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Microsoft Store in Lenox Square Mall

::::::::::::::: BFF ALERT!!! :::::::::::::::

Nikka Shae & the Blog Fab Fashionistas (BFF’s) will be hosting this amazing event. There will be live Tweeting, Instagram’ing, photo opps, and plenty of fun!

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Digital Vanguard: An Interactive Conversation with Women Creatives is an in-depth conversation with Women Interactive Digital Vanguard Award recipients on content creation, technology and the role of women in the digital space. Taking place on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at the Microsoft Store at Lenox Mall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Digital Vanguard attendees will be able to feast on light refreshments, network with other digital professionals and take a store tour.

Kicking off the conversation with a recorded foreword from Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spelman College, Women Interactive will chat with the honorees who will share their stories of creativity, technology and digital rebellion.

We will honor women of color who are vanguards in the digital space and recipients of the inaugural Women Interactive Digital Vanguard award presented by award sponsor, Swagalicious.

The 2012 Women Interactive Digital Vanguard award recipients are:

Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Ayoka Chenzira – Interactive Filmmaker, Educator, Founding Director of Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon. Dr. Chenzira will be in store for the conversation.

Social Change Agent: Kimberly Bryant – Founder, Black Girls Code. Kimberly Bryant has been invited to appear in store for the conversation.

Digital Renegade: Angela Benton, Founder, New Me Accelerator/Black Web 2.0. Angela Benton will appear via Skype.

Trail Blazer: Issa Rae, Creator, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Issa Rae has been invited to appear via Skype.

Neo Tech: Corvida Raven– Founder of shegeeks.net, Co-Founder of Everything Twitter, The Social Geeks Roundtable Podcast, In A Third Place. Corvida Raven will appear via Skype.

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REGISTRATION INFO:

Register for the Women Interactive Kickoff Event
Digital Vanguard: An Interactive Conversation with Women Creatives
at the Microsoft Store in Lenox Mall on October 12 from 7:00-9:00pm

Register now for this event: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4350436272?ref=ebtnebregn

Attend this FREE event and receive a discount code to attend Women Interactive for half off the price of admission.

Join the conversation online @womeninteractiv and “like” us on FB!

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Picture Recap

Check out more pics from the Digital Vanguard Event.

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style setter

Fall Fashion Trend: Make a Statement with a Peter Pan Collar Necklace

I’m such an accessory addict. I just love to rock fabulous accessories with everything! Heck, I’d even go as far as wearing accessories with my pj’s… Why? Because I want to look amazing even while I’m dreaming. Hey, you just never know when Peter Pan and Tinker Bell will come to whisk you away on a wonderful adventure in a far away land. Ok, maybe not, but I can certainly look the part with this season’s hottest trend; the Peter Pan inspired collar necklace.

Inspired by the lapels of the legendary (and forever young) Peter Pan, these collar necklaces are all the rage this season and I absolutely love the take on this classic look. Both timeless and enchanting the Peter Pan collar necklace is a definite must-have for your Fall accessory collection. “But where can I find this fun fairytale fashion accessory?” you ask… Well luckily the shops over at Lenox Square has you (and your neck) covered with a great selection of fabulous Peter Pan inspired collar necklaces that will bring your Fall fashion fantasy into reality.

Take flight with this Silver-Tone Pave Peter Pan Collar Necklace from Kenneth Cole New York $125. Crafted from silver-tone mixed metal, this necklace gives you a grown-up look with pave black and glass crystal accents.

Grab a kiss from Betsey Johnson with this Antiqued Gold Tone Pink Lips Black Ribbon Collar Necklace $110. This darling Peter Pan inspired collar necklace showcases a gold tone chain intertwined with black grosgrain ribbon, black grosgrain ribbon bows, fuchsia glitter lips and clear crystal accents.

Here’s a quick fashion tip: Collar necklaces look best when your top is collar-less so choose a top without lapels so they don’t draw attention away you’re your fabulous choice of neck candy. Or, if you choose to rock lapels be sure that your collar necklace drapes a few inches below your lapels so that envious eyes can see your gorgeous neck accessory.

So stop by Lenox Square and make a statement this Fall with a fabulous collar necklace. Now, if I could just find a store that carries sequin embellished pajamas to compliment my new neckwear… Hmmmm

@ the movies

Hotel Transylvania opens its doors on September 28

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more – to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but everything could change for the overprotective dad when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

I had a chance to catch a sneak peak with the kidos and I must say that this movie is a definite must see! It has a wonderful story-line and the character antics will keep you in stitches the entire time. And even though the film is in 3D it wasn’t overly done which was a pleasant surprise. Fave characters were Dracula (Adam Sandler), Wayne the Werewolf (Steve Buscemi), and Frankenstein (Kevin James). The cast consisted mostly of Adam Sandler movie alumni which always makes for great screen chemistry, tons of laughs, and loads of kid-like fun. Oh, and since this IS an animated film, it goes without saying that the animation and effects were superb! I give this film two ‘fangs’ up!

Cast of Characters:

Adam Sandler as Dracula

Andy Samberg as Jonathan

Selena Gomez as Mavis

Kevin James as Frankenstein

Fran Drescher as Eunice

Steve Buscemi as Wayne

Molly Shannon as Wanda

David Spade as Griffin

CeeLo Green as Murray

Jon Lovitz as Quasimodo

Brian George as Suit of Armor

Luenell as Shrunken Heads

Want more monster mayhem? Visit http://www.welcometohotelt.com/ for movie downloads and much more!

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Dynamic Kids Expo

Does your family like to have fun? Here’s an event the entire family will enjoy!

The Dynamic Kids Expo will be held at the Gwinnett Convention Center on Saturday October 13, 2012. This expo will be a blast! The Gwinnett Center turns into Kids’ City. Allow your child to visit the fun zones: Rolling Video Games, Spa-Kidz, inflatable bouncer, clowns, face painters and much more! This wonderful family event is filled with top-notch entertainment, fun hands-on activities, and the latest products and services for kids from toddlers to young teens. This one-of-a-kind INDOOR event is open to the public. Parents, the Expo will feature exhibitors that will showcase quality children’s products and services. This is your most complete one-stop shopping opportunity for everything that your children need!

Become a Sponsor: http://dynamickidsexpo.charityhappenings.org

Purchase Tickets: http://enchantedbluevents.ticketleap.com/dynamickidsexpo/

I will be there with my family along with other fabulous mom bloggers to capture the event and have a little fun with the little ones! 😉 We will see you there!

For more information about the Dynamic Kids Expo visit:
www.DynamicKidsExpo.com
www.facebook.com/DynamicKidsExpo
www.twitter.com/DynamicKidsExpo

happenings

A Wonder-land of treasures and much more

Hi Lovelies,

Imagine yourself frolicking in a brilliantly painted landscape of colorful flowers while the mist of the springtime air stimulates your senses. I’m envisioning a world filled with happily-hued home décor, colorfully-chic clothing and auspiciously adorned accessories that surround you like begonias in bloom. Ok…someone please pinch me now because I must be dreaming! Well, thanks to a Wonder-fully new shopping concept called C. Wonder, my candy-colored dream has just become a reality.

The brainchild of Chris Burch, C. Wonder is a revolutionary lifestyle concept that offers a diverse assortment of beautiful, versatile and spirited products that pair timeless design elements with a fresh twists resulting in a shopping experience unlike any other. Boasting of charm, fun, and excitement C. Wonder takes shoppers into a magnificent Wonder-land filled with Wonder-ful treasures that will leave you Wonder-ing why no one has thought of this before.

From accessories to monogramming, C. Wonder has it all!

Yours truly was able to get a sneak peak of the C. Wonder store at Lenox Square prior to the official grand opening, and I must say that I am totally in love with the stores concept. C. Wonder has created a unique shopping experience with surprises at every turn. Upon entering the store, and after literally scooping my jaw off the floor in amazement, I could not help but be captivated by the cheerful ambiance and playful appeal that boldly invites you in for a closer look… And I challenge anyone to resist the urge to touch every item once you’re in there. I literally couldn’t help myself. Now I could never be sure but I thought I heard my mother’s voice saying “Nikka, put that down!” and “Nikka, stop touching that!” Well, let’s just say that I took note because that particular statement was generally followed by her slapping my hand. 😀 So, after my self-imposed “time-out”, it was back to shopping! I was simply in awe of the vast selection of items that I never thought I needed, but immediately realized was missing from my “must have” list. And with items priced on average of under $40 I’ve got more than enough of an excuse to add a few additional items to my list. 😉

C. Wonder carries a unique assortment of personal treasures

C. Wonder features an assortment of products that are designed to enhance women’s lifestyle with offerings that include women’s apparel and shoes, fabulous jewelry and accessories, houseware and home décor, personal electronics and gadgets, and an abundance of unusual gifts. And it doesn’t stop there… They also have fittings rooms that offer guests a more personable experience with adjustable lighting and music to set the mood between wardrobe changes. How fab is that! You can also take your shopping personally and use their in-store monogramming and engraving services to brand your purchases with your very own initials.

Luv the C. Wonder concept and colorful collection

So head down to Lenox Square and stop by the C. Wonder store to “pick up” your very own personalized treasure. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see my mother there waiting to scold you for touching everything in the store. 😀

C. Wonder even carries a floral embellished scooter. Too fab!!!

Well, I’m off to do a bit more shopping. Turns out that I’m in search of a custom floral embellished scooter and I can’t seem to find one anywhere.

Wait, C. Wonder sells those too?

I love this store!!!

Check out more pics from the C. Wonder grand opening event at Lenox Square:

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[FREE eGuide] 10 Things Your Mom Never Told You About Being a Female Entrepreneur by Nicole Garner

Before taking the dive as fierce female into the pool of entrepreneurism, this comic guide will serve a “Cliff’s Notes” approach to practical advice that will help any young woman on her journey into following her dreams and creating her own future. An insightful, intelligent, colorful, comic-style guide; “10 Things Your Mom Never Told You About Being a Female Entrepreneur” delivers tips for the emerging power girl as she flourishes in the world of business and womanhood as a whole. Written by Nicole Garner, CEO|Founder of The Garner Circle PR & The Garner Brand, this guide is written from first-hand experience and personal trial & error.

As a female, there are things that only we as women experience in the world of entrepreneurism. I want this guide to serve as a starting point for women, making sure they are better prepared not only in regards to business savy but emotionally as well. ~ Nicole Garner

For more information on where the guide is available visit http://thegarnerbrand.com/prettypowerful/

Facebook: facebook.com/PrettyPowerful
Twitter: twitter.com/TheGarnerCircle

Here’s how to get your eGuide onto your iOS device

(Through a partnership with blurb.com, this quick e-guide is available for FREE)

1. Open the following link on your iPad, iPhone, or iPad Touch: http://blurbprod1000.s3.amazonaws.com/a0e9c868548b44349bf552c9a25cc0d9/94ee2ede-9e31-6ab6-6a16-1414d515abb2/Untitled.epub

(You may be asked to sign in to your Blurb account.)

2. Your ebook will be downloaded and will open in the iBooks app. (tap ‘Open in iBooks’). If you do not have the free Apple iBooks app you’ll need to install it before downloading your book. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8

One note: ebook files can be quite large. As such, the download may take several minutes. In addition, please be sure you have enough free space on your device or the download may fail.

style setter

Cupcakes, Cocktails & Curves

Hi Lovelies!

It was a night of fun and fashion as Embellish Boutique hosted a sassy shopping soirée featuring tasty treats, yummy cocktails and fabulous plus size fashion rocked by curvy divas. Yours truly co-hosted the event alongside the lovely Susie Simpkins who is the owner of Embellish Boutique, and I must say that we had so much fun! 🙂 Embellish offers fab styles for plus size divas and they also carry cute accessories, shoes, and jewelry, as well as consignment items which are a great alternative for divas wanting chic designer looks without the retail sticker shock.

This fabulous event featured a fashion showcase and runway show with looks from Embellish Boutique as well as haute styles from Big Bang Boutique. I had my eye on this zebra print top by Big Bang Boutique that was too fab! #FashionEnvy But, I left with a few head-turners from Embellish that I recently rocked at several events. The fab ladies from Salon Inferno were also there to glamify the models’ makeup and hair in preparation for the red carpet runway. And let me tell you…these ladies wurk’d that runway honey!

Brittany Garner of Big Bang Boutique (l) and Susie Simpkins of Embellish Boutique (r)

Models rockin the runway!

Lovely models wurkin the runway, and fabulous guests strike a pose

Absolutely LOVE this piece! Notice me waiting to snag this beauty from the model. LOL

Guests indulged in a bit of shopping while sipping a few nips, and partaking in all of the fun. There were also several giveaways such as hair care products by Salon Inferno and a gift certificate by Lucky 13 Bakery who provided guests with some of the most delish cupcakes that I have ever tasted (and concealed in my purse). 🙂 I honestly could not help myself, so please don’t judge me. 😐 They were sooooo yummy!

Delish cupcakes by Lucky 13 Bakery

Thank you to Susie Simpkins of Embellish Boutique for hosting such a fun and fashionable event, and also for those haute dresses. 🙂 I had an amazing time, and the fashion show was tha bizness!!! Thanks also to mom and daughter duo, Sheri and Brittany Garner of Big Bang Boutique for providing us with a preview of their fabulous collection. They certainly lived up to their name as their pieces were literally “thebomb.com”. 😉

Kisses to a fabulous event!

Hey, if you’re ever in the Kennesaw area you should stop by Embellish Boutique, and not just because Susie and the ladies know how to throw a fabulous party. I mean the styles they carry are very trendy AND very affordable. I was feeling a bit of fashion deprivation because I live very near Embellish Boutique and I had no clue they were that close to me. #FashionFail 🙁 But now that I know where they’re located I will definitely be returning because I absolutely love love love their pieces. #FashionRedemption 🙂

Visit Embellish Boutique for plus size fashions and more at…

Embellish Boutique
2615 George Busbee Parkway #3
Kennesaw, Ga 30144
(Across the street from Town Center Mall)

Check out more pics from Cupcakes, Cocktails & Curves at Embellish Boutique :

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happenings

Tweet & Eat with the BFF’s at Shula’s 347 Grill

Hey Lovelies, it’s time for another fabulous Tweetup event with the Blog Fab Fashionistas!

Join Oh! Nikka and the BFF Ladies for an evening of food, fun, tweeting, and plenty of photos at Shula’s 347 Grill in Buckhead. Guests can also take advantage of Shula’s $5 martinis and 1/2 priced glasses of wine while grooving to live music in the lounge! So let’s sip and socialize the night away BFF style! Hey, if you’ve ever been to a BFF hosted event you know that this will be yet another must attend that you don’t want to miss! Oh, and don’t be surprised if your friends are a teeny bit envious when they see all of the pics of you having loads of fun with the BFF crew!

When:
Wednesday, October 3rd
7pm – 9pm

Where:
Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel
3405 Lenox Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Here’s an interesting tidbit: The BFF’s have been known to flood both Twitter and Instagram with all of their picture postings. You can see for yourself by searching for #BFFTWEETUP on Twitter.

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